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The short and long-term effects of a lifestyle intervention in children with mental illnesses: a randomized

Emilie M A van Tetering1,2,3, Jet B Muskens4,5,6, Jeroen Deenik7,8

  • 1Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. e.vantetering@karakter.com.

BMC Psychiatry
|July 21, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study investigates lifestyle interventions for children with mental illness (MI), addressing poor diet, inactivity, and sleep. The Movementss trial compares a lifestyle program to usual care to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric mental health
  • Lifestyle medicine
  • Public health

Background:

  • Children with mental illness (MI) exhibit higher rates of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, including poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive screen time, and inadequate sleep.
  • These behaviors contribute to long-term health issues, yet research on effective lifestyle interventions for this population is scarce.
  • Existing treatment programs lack specific guidelines for supporting children with MI and unhealthy lifestyles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (1 year) effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention compared to care as usual (CAU) in children with MI and unhealthy lifestyles.
  • To provide insight into the impact of lifestyle interventions on the overall well-being of children with MI and their families.
  • To address the current gap in knowledge and establish evidence-based guidelines for lifestyle support in pediatric mental health.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 80 children aged 6-12 years with MI and unhealthy lifestyles.
  • Participants are randomized to either a lifestyle intervention group or a control group receiving CAU.
  • Comprehensive assessments include quality of life (primary outcome), emotional/behavioral symptoms, lifestyle parameters, cognitive function, physical measurements, and family functioning, with data collected at multiple time points over 12 months.

Main Results:

  • This section is not yet available as the study is ongoing.
  • The study is designed to collect data on various health and lifestyle parameters to determine intervention effectiveness.
  • Long-term effects on quality of life, behavior, and physical health will be analyzed.

Conclusions:

  • This RCT is expected to significantly contribute to the limited body of research on lifestyle interventions for children with mental illness.
  • Findings will inform the development of targeted treatment programs and clinical guidelines.
  • The study aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for children facing co-occurring mental health and lifestyle challenges.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenLifestyle interventionMental illnessShort and long-term effectsTreatment

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